Topsoil, the dark, nutrient-rich upper layer of the earth, is fundamental to any successful landscaping or gardening project. This natural resource provides the necessary foundation for plant health and growth. The price for a truck load can vary dramatically, moving from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. The final cost depends heavily on three main factors: the total quantity you need, the specific quality of the soil you choose, and the distance it must be transported to your location.
Defining Volume and Unit Costs
A “truck load” of topsoil generally refers to a bulk delivery from a commercial dump truck, typically ranging between 10 and 15 cubic yards. The cubic yard is the standard industry measurement for bulk soil purchases. Because soil density varies widely based on moisture content, volume is used instead of weight to ensure consistency in pricing. A cubic yard measures three feet by three feet by three feet, totaling 27 cubic feet.
The baseline price for bulk topsoil is quoted per cubic yard, with a common national average falling between $15 and $30. This price represents the material cost only, before any quality upgrades or delivery fees are applied. For a standard 10-cubic-yard truck load, the material alone would cost approximately $150 to $300.
Key Variables Influencing Topsoil Price
The most significant factor influencing the cost per cubic yard is the quality and type of topsoil required for your project. Unscreened topsoil, which often contains rocks, roots, and larger debris, is the least expensive option, sometimes priced as low as $10 per cubic yard. This material is primarily suitable for large-scale backfilling or leveling projects where planting quality is not a primary concern.
Screened topsoil, which has been mechanically filtered to remove large contaminants, is the most common and often falls in the $15 to $40 per cubic yard range. Higher-end specialty blends, such as nutrient-rich loam or garden mixes amended with organic compost, can cost $30 to $50 per cubic yard or more. These specialized soils offer a balanced texture of sand, silt, and clay, which improves drainage and water retention for superior plant growth.
The purchase quantity also directly influences the unit price, as suppliers offer tiered pricing to incentivize large orders. Buying a full 10-to-15-yard truck load results in a lower cost per cubic yard than purchasing a small minimum order. The soil’s source and local availability also affect the price, with urban areas often seeing higher costs due to increased supplier operating and transportation expenses.
Calculating and Accounting for Delivery Fees
Delivery is often a separate and substantial cost that must be factored into the total price of a truck load. Suppliers typically calculate this fee using a flat rate within a specific service radius, or a tiered structure that charges a base fee plus a rate per mile beyond that initial zone. This transportation charge commonly ranges from $50 to $150 per trip, but it can be higher for long-distance deliveries.
Many bulk suppliers enforce a minimum order requirement, typically three to five cubic yards, to make the delivery economically viable. Failing to meet this minimum may result in paying a small load surcharge or being unable to order bulk delivery.
Additional Delivery Fees
Additional logistical challenges can introduce further fees, including surcharges for difficult site access, such as a long driveway or a remote location. These situations may require extra time or smaller equipment for the drop-off. For smaller bulk orders, the delivery fee can sometimes equal or even exceed the cost of the material itself.
Determining Your Project Needs
Accurately calculating the required volume is the final step to ensuring you do not over- or under-order your topsoil. The standard calculation involves measuring the length and width of the area in feet, multiplying them by the desired depth in feet, and then dividing that total by 27. This provides the exact number of cubic yards needed. For example, a 20-foot by 30-foot area requiring a six-inch depth would calculate to approximately 11.1 cubic yards of topsoil.
The depth requirement varies significantly by project. Overseeding a lawn typically needs only one to two inches of soil, while establishing a new garden bed or leveling a yard may require four to eight inches to support healthy root systems. Freshly delivered topsoil will naturally settle and compact after it is spread and watered. To compensate for this settling and minor spreading waste, it is recommended to proactively order an additional five to ten percent more than your calculated volume.